Author's note: Thank you everyone who supported the story. I wanted to get this done in time for SasuSaku month. But RL got in the way however as promised I will finish this story. Please tell me what about you think about my first AU attempt.
"Desperately Reaching Out"
Ripping off his second button forcefully made an impression of anger. The pinkette girl was dumbfounded. But she did hold out her hand to receive the button. Blushing after their hands touched, the female spoke with uncertainty coating her voice. "You should have just thrown it away. Why give it to me?" The female clenched the button as if it was going to get lost. Sighing and with tiredness in her voice commented. "I will be the target of fangirl attacks. It will be so troublesome."
The word troublesome made him cringe. "Am I nothing but trouble to you?" Onyx eyes stared at the pink-haired girl intensely. The Uchiha's eyes filled with contempt, he was not expecting to hear such a description. "If you don't like it, then give it back." The proud male challenged, rejection from her was never common. The reality of it now upset the male more than he could have imagined. She did not just refuse his generosity, Sakura Haruno turned him down. He kept his face stoic. Sasuke Uchiha will not let anyone see that he is crumbling. Damn her. Maybe not now but in time she will come to him. He will make certain of it.
There was a sudden jolt in the vehicle that awakened Sasuke Uchiha the famous rockstar. Besides a music career, the heartthrob is also known for his family roots. Sharingan the record label is a subsidiary of Uchiha Corporation. Sasuke is an artist and business executive in this venture. Initially, the main cash flow was from his performances. However, as of the date, he has managed to pull more talents like the rock band Orange Fox led by Naruto his self-proclaimed best friend.
They did not go to the same school but happened to use the same studio to do the recording. Sasuke started the company from scratch. When he had enough capital, he was able to convince his father to invest. Aside from Sasuke and Orange Fox other acts that are leading the company are a girl group Konoha Vixen and a trio of siblings called Sand Sound. Managing the company and performing took a lot of his time. But he was on a deadline.
His father challenged him that if can make Sharingan's brand value at 50 million dollars, he can have the freedom to choose his future. Sasuke worked tirelessly to achieve this goal and receive the liberty he is aiming for. Because of working like mad, he had to put some important aside. And one of those he kind of neglected was a girl named Sakura Haruno.
Every day he would recall all the promises that were broken between them. There is no one to blame but him. He never visited when she had to study overseas despite having the means to do so. He said that they would share a drink when she turns twenty-one. But how old are they now? It is past overdue. Then he told himself one day a surprise visit will be scheduled but it never happened.
She was probably just as busy. Ever since moving overseas, Sakura never came back. Out of the blue she dropped following him on social media. Sasuke tried to convince himself that his current Instagram is for the public to see. Sakura knows him personally. She probably knew that what was in the account is just the tip of the iceberg. Being a medical student is a lot of work, He should not blame her for concentrating on what's important. They were doing the same thing, putting their dreams ahead above everything else. This fact stirred some heaviness within and caused his chest to constrict. Why is it whenever he thinks of the pinkette it always hurts? It has been years but the pain is not getting any better.
"The traffic is kind of bad." Kakashi his assistant and manager commented. "It seems a lot of people flew in to see the great Uchiha Sasuke start of his world tour." The passenger celebrity kept quiet and gazed outside. "Are you sure about doing the handshake fan meet tomorrow?" The older companion asked. "I know you hate facing rabid fangirls. I cannot guarantee you unscathed."
"I need to do it." The music artist answered. He sent a certain pink hair beauty flight ticket to Japan and concert passes to his concert the next day. The invitation also came with a ticket for the meet and greet before the concert. For some reason, he just wanted to see her before performing. She would always bid him good at any performance. When she was still here, all his gigs Sakura would make time to attend. They would celebrate it with a beer or two on the weekends. That was when before he hit is big. As he rose to fame, she managed to come but their time together diminished.
When they both graduated from the university, Sasuke wanted to surprise her with a trip to Hakone. He thought it would be fitting to get some relaxation after all their tiring activities. Making himself available Kakashi helped him with the arrangements. Of course, he did not want it to look like some date excursion. So he had to ask Naruto and his labelmates to tag along. At least he gets to spend some time with her in a quiet place for a while.
However, instead of surprising her, he was the one who got shocked. For the second time in his life as Sasuke Uchiha tried to be romantic with Haruno Sakura, she refused again. This time the pinkette revealed that on the week the trip is schedule her family is flying overseas. She would be continuing her med proper studies in a foreign land. His lips wanted to blurt out what about him? What will happen to them? But does he need to ask, up until that time Sakura only sees him as a friend? He vowed to win her over on that fateful day at the rooftop. But even at the last minute of them together he did not get anywhere. Why is he so unlucky with her?
"Sasuke I know why you are pushing yourself to do this," Kakashi spoke again. The assistant is very much aware of the younger's romantic frustrations. He always tried to help him out. However, their efforts seem to be very lacking. "I was hoping for the best until the last flight came in today." The gray-haired man revealed. "You see the plane tickets we sent. Well, it has not yet been used." The revelation caused the younger's eye to widen. "I am sorry, maybe if I called her things would have been different." The manager continued to explain.
She is not coming. The thought rang in Sasuke's mind continuously. Damn it all she is not coming. Where had he gone wrong? He made sure to schedule this concert for her semester break. He sent the invitation in advance. She always knew he was a man of action and not words. The gesture is a blunt request that she has to go. He gave her an open plane ticket so she can choose to come early or later. But he never anticipated that she would refuse him again. Whoever said that the third time is a charm. It was a freaking lie.
The young man kept silent. What good is there if he opens his mouth? It is not like she will miraculously appear if he does. "Cancel the meet and greet." The music and a prodigy uttered. "Tell the fans, they will be receiving a signed CD instead. Then we will reschedule the meet and greet into a virtual one-two days after the concert." The company owner and performer ordered.
"I am sure your fans will be happy with the compensation." The manager confirmed. "But it would mean you have to work hard extra tonight." The elder warned. "From the last figures I saw, the meet and greet were maximized to three hundred fans." The artist just snorted, a clear indication he is stating whatever. "So after this talk show interview, you have to go to the venue and do a quick rehearsal." Kakashi shared again his schedule. "After that, you will have dinner with your family." The onyx-eyed youth just stared outside and replied with a "Hn."
As he scanned the area, he saw a familiar sign. It was the convenience store chain that Sakura and he would often visit to get coffee. The brews they sold there were cheap but very good. He recalled the times they would get their cups. They would just talk as the musician walks the pinkette home. Those were the days when things are just simple. But honestly, it was his fault that things got complicated.
He sighed tiredly staring at the nostalgic establishment. The store's door opened and his onyx eyes widened in shock. A flash of pink can be sighted across from the car he is riding. He straightened up and leaned towards the window. Could it be her? What are the chances of other people having pink hair? But with the trends of hair coloring, can it be sure he is not mistaking Sakura to a different person? His eyebrows furrowed to stare intently to analyze the posture of the woman. The demeanor was the same, could it be her? Did she just not use the tickets he sent but still came? Is she even here for his concert?
He shook his head to clear to double-check if it is not an illusion. Still seeing her in view, the Uchiha decided to follow the lady. Without warning, he unlocked the car's door and ran out. It was one of those rare occasions one would be thankful for the non-moving traffic. "Sasuke what the heck!" Kakashi reprimanded but the prodigy was already out of earshot. He did not want to attract more attention. So he just swiftly went towards the pink-haired woman. She took a turn on a corner when he was about 3 meters away. As he prepared to follow, people began to recognize him.
Overly zealous fans began to block his way. Each either screaming for an autograph, photo or is just being loud. Sasuke pushed on forward despite the obstructions. He could at least get an idea of where she is staying. Then maybe he can visit her there. But his efforts are futile and the crowd was beginning to get bigger. The local police in the area hurriedly came to his aid. After he was barricaded by the men in uniform, Sasuke frantically looked at his surroundings. Is she by chance anywhere in the crowd? Scanning the area there was no sign of her. His heart dropped once again for the nth time he could remember. He just lost track of the only clue if Sakura was in Tokyo. Damn this popularity. He only wanted to do music. But things just had to be burdensome.
Kakashi squeezed in the crowd and stood by his side. "What were you thinking running off like that?" The assistant questioned. "How are we going to explain your actions to the press?" The elder continued to blurt out. "That you just wanted to stretch some muscles because traffic was so bad?" His manager was simply displeased.
"I want a list of all the hotels in this area," Sasuke muttered. "And I need all the listings of which one has a guest who came in from London." The music performer and businessman demanded. Kakashi argued it's a breach of privacy and that is illegal. The prodigy just snorted, sometimes when it comes to protocols the Uchiha's get an advantage to tweak the rules. "Tell grandfather that I will owe him a favor if he does it for me."
His grandfather Madara Uchiha is a security expert. Their systems are interconnected to all the cameras all over Japan. The front is they are selling CCTV's but in truth, they are co-working with the government to keep everywhere safe. "Honestly your grandfather adores you. But the request is too much. Who are you trying to track.." Kakashi stopped talking when he realized the answer to his question. Of course who else would make the Sasuke Uchiha so worked up? "I think it would be better if you call him instead of me." The manager advised. "He will be thrilled to hear from you and not mind whatever you request."
Madara Uchiha loved both Sasuke and Itachi. But he always found Sasuke endearing because the younger was a breath of fresh air. Uchiha men are often intelligent, well-mannered, and formal. Sasuke however is all that with a dash of rebellion. It was not destructive. But Sasuke wanted to venture into new things like music and going mainstream. Despite his stoic nature, Sasuke is openly popular. Unlike the other predecessors who were admired in silence. Sasuke can also be stubbornly sincere and unbelievably loyal. In truth, he only liked one girl since middle school. No amount of blind dates, introduction to beautiful women, and even seduction would say him from the apple of his eyes.
His grandfather is very much aware of his affections toward the pinkette. He even dared to offer the grandson access to the security camera the girl will pass through. Of course, Sasuke declined. Sakura did deserve privacy and he trusts her completely. Deep inside his heart, he convinced himself that they will meet because they are destined to. That is why he concentrated on receiving his freedom first.
"So are you going to call your grandfather or not?" Kakashi spoke which brought him out of this reverie. Uttering a "Hn" he took out his phone and dialed the number he ingrained in memory. The manager smirked under his mask, yes the young Uchiha is desperate.
Madara Uchiha's phone rang. Checking the caller ID it is his favorite little rebel grandson. He has been doing well with his record label. Sasuke managed to meet his father's challenge regarding Sharingan's brand value. So he is most likely not calling about that. And Sasuke never asked for help when it came to developing his company. He went at it his way all the way. This means this call is probably for something more personal.
Madara smirked and did not answer immediately. Sasuke could have a short fuse. But if he is desperate the grandson is very much able to showcase some patience. The phone rang for almost a minute when the elder decided. By the sound of the young man from the other line, it seems he is in a public place. The background of this situation would be interesting. Tracing Sasuke's location on his huge monitor, he can see him in a crowded street in Tokyo. By the looks of it, he might have done something irrational. And of course, the grandfather has an idea of what the reason could be.
Sasuke Uchiha only wanted two things in life. First liberation from his family's strict traditions and second Haruno Sakura. He never needed help to break tradition. But Sasuke surely has always struggled to win over the pinkette.
